Shelby council approves 2025 appropriations after heated fire-department budget debate

Shelby City Council on March 14 approved Ordinance No. 8 (2025), a set of appropriations for the year, after debate about planned cuts to fire-department overtime and staffing.

The ordinance, presented as an emergency measure, passed after the council voted to suspend the three‑reading rule and then approved the appropriation ordinance in a roll-call vote. Councilmembers voted in the affirmative and the measure passed as read.

The vote followed extended public testimony from the fire department, whose representative described how a $200,000 reduction to overtime would affect day‑to‑day operations. The speaker, identified in the record as the Fire Chief, said the department has already reduced overtime in prior years and warned that further cuts could force reduced services, elimination of certain trainings and inspections, and a decision not to replace departing staff. On potential operational impacts, the chief said, “If we have 2 transports running at the same time, there would be…